General Michael Langley, the commander of U.S. Africa Command (Africom), says that Russia is taking aggressive steps in Africa to secure control over vast areas stretching from the southern borders of the NATO alliance in Libya to resource-rich parts in Central Africa.
Langley addressed the U.S. Senate last Thursday, highlighting that both Russia and China have long-term plans for Africa. However, he noted that Russia is moving at an "accelerated pace," taking advantage of the unrest in West Africa, which has seen coups in recent years.
He also confirmed a reduction in U.S. intervention in places like Niger and Mali due to government overthrows, which has also paved the way for a more prominent Russian presence in the region.
Russian security forces, whether private contractors or government entities have bolstered their presence in coup-stricken countries, as well as Libya and the Central African Republic, aiming to demonstrate power and access natural resources, including valuable minerals, Langley added.
